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Restoration of physiologic loading modulates engineered intervertebral disc structure and function in an in vivo
Sarah E Gullbrand1,2, Dong Hwa Kim1,2, Beth G Ashinsky1,2,3
1Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.
JOR Spine
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Restoring mechanical loading to engineered disc replacements improved tissue composition and bone integration. However, remobilization led to vertebral angulation and reduced mechanical strength, highlighting the need for optimized loading protocols and larger animal models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Tissue-engineered disc replacement is a promising treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration.
- Balancing initial immobilization for integration with physiologic loading for anabolic effects is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of remobilization timing on engineered disc implants in a rat tail model.
- To assess the impact of mechanical loading restoration on engineered disc structure, composition, and function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat tail model with external fixation for tissue-engineered disc replacement.
- Remobilized implants at two different time points post-implantation.
- Evaluated engineered disc structure, composition (collagen, proteoglycan), function, and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Restored mechanical loading enhanced collagen and proteoglycan content in nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.
- Improved integration of the engineered disc endplate with native bone was observed.
- Remobilization, at both early and late time points, resulted in vertebral body angulation and reduced tensile failure properties.
Conclusions:
- Restoring physiologic mechanical loading is crucial for the success of engineered disc implants.
- Current remobilization strategies require optimization to prevent adverse structural changes.
- Further evaluation in larger animal models with more human-like anatomy is necessary.
